As the Democratic presidential candidates make their closing arguments before Nevada Democrats caucus on Saturday, Sen. Bernie Sanders won support from an African-American group.
The Clark County Black Caucus, an organization located in Nevada’s largest county, endorsed Sanders late Thursday, a move that could help him as he tries to cut into the former secretary of state’s lead among black voters.
“With continuing unemployment disproportionately impacting Black Nevadans, over representation in prisons and the justice system, low performing schools, and lack of economic opportunity, we are looking for a President that will dismantle broken systems, and provide access to a new deal,” Yvette Williams, chairwoman of the caucus wrote in a letter published Thursday.
She added that “although Secretary Hillary Clinton is well qualified, it comes down to individual choice,” and Sanders’ agenda, including his “commitment to getting big money out of politics and restoring our government back to its people is an important concern of CCBC members.”
The endorsement comes as Nevada’s latest poll shows the race between Sanders and Clinton in a dead heat. According to a CNN/ORC poll released on Wednesday, 48% of likely caucus-goers are supporting Clinton, while 47% will back the Vermont independent.
After a razor-thin loss in the Iowa caucuses and a solid win in the New Hampshire primary, Sanders has turned his attention to other key primary states with more diverse electorates. Polls show him trailing behind Clinton among minority voters by double digits.
Clinton has received numerous endorsements from key black elected officials. Sanders, until recently, got the backing from some high-profile black supporters, including former NAACP President Benjamin Jealous and civil rights icon Harry Belafonte.
Khorri Atkinson